By Alufo Bonaventure
The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD), has demolished more than 15 illegal structures and recovered encroached government lands in parts of Enugu-Ukwu, Ogbunike and Oraifite as part of its ongoing efforts to sanitise the state and enforce physical planning regulations.
The enforcement exercise, led and supervised by the Head of the Development Control Department (DCD) of the Ministry, Mrs Ngozi Okwudili, who represented the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, covered parts of Njikoka, Oyi and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas on August 12.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, Mrs Okwudili said the operation commenced at Aboamimi, Enugu-Ukwu, where some individuals had blocked an existing access road despite a subsisting court judgment directing that the obstruction be removed.
The enforcement team subsequently moved to Ataoji, Osile, Ogbunike, in Oyi Local Government Area, where, according to the DCD head, alleged land grabbers had encroached on government property, erected structures and sold portions of the land to unsuspecting members of the public.
She explained that the primary objective of the intervention in the area was to reclaim government property and prevent further encroachment. “In the course of the exercise, about fifteen or more illegally built buildings and those still under construction were affected. Prior to this, several statutory notices were duly served on developers, but they were all ignored,” Okwudili stated.
The team also proceeded to Ezumeri, Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, where illegal structures had obstructed an existing access road. Okwudili said the demolition was necessary to reopen the road and restore free access for residents.
She reiterated the commitment of the Soludo-led administration to restoring order in the state’s urban and rural environments and ensuring that physical development is carried out in accordance with approved plans and relevant laws.
Okwudili urged developers, landowners and members of the public to obtain the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before commencing any building project. She warned that the government would continue to enforce physical planning laws without fear or favour against individuals who violate approved regulations.
Alufo Bonaventure is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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